Characterization of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Operations from In-Use Data: An Analysis of Starts, Soak Time, and Warm-Up Duration

In recent years, advanced technologies for emission control have developed so significantly that exhaust emissions from hot-stabilized operation can be reduced to almost zero. Thereby, the emissions from cold operations contribute the most significant portion of the total emissions from a trip. As such, the Manufacturers of Emissions Controls Association (MECA) was interested in conducting a quantitative assessment of the engine cold-start operations for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, using real-world operational data. In addition to providing valuable information to MECA, this study will also be valuable to engine manufacturers for developing more specific emission control technology strategies targeted on engine cold-start performance, fleet managers for determining more suitable driving cycles for their fleets to further reduce fuel cost and engine emissions and policymakers for gaining a better understanding of the real-world emissions impacts from cold-start operations.